Four-group telephoto zoom lens

ABSTRACT

A four-group zoom lens includes, in succession from the object side, a first group having a positive refractive power and movable on the optical axis for focusing, a second group having a negative refractive power and movable on the optical axis to vary the total focal length of the entire system, a third group having a positive refractive power and movable on the optical axis to keep the image plane at a predetermined position, and a fourth group as a relay lens system having a positive refractive power. The second group has a cemented lens component comprising three negative, positive and negative lenses cemented together and having a composite negative refractive power, and a negative lens component.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a telephoto zoom lens, and more particularly to improvements in a four-group zoom lens comprising, in succession from the object side, a focusing lens group, a magnification changing lens group, a compensating lens group and a relay lens group.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Zoom lenses are optical systems of very high utility and excellent zoom lenses of this type have been developed. However, as compared with fixed focus lenses, such zoom lenses do not yet have a sufficient optical performance and it has been desired that the zoom lenses satisfy a performance and specification similar to those of fixed focus lenses. Particularly, it has been very difficult due to the fluctuations of chromatic aberration and other residual aberrations to maintain a stable imaging performance over the entire magnification change range even if zooming is effected, and further, aggravation of the various aberrations in short distance photography has been remarkable and, as compared with fixed focus lenses, the zoom lenses have required a long photographing distance and they have been disadvantageous to effect photography at short distances.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a four-group telephoto zoom lens which has an excellent imaging performance over the entire range of the magnification change resulting from zooming and yet can maintain a high imaging performance even for objects at short distances.

The invention will become fully apparent from the following detailed description thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the lens construction of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate the various aberrations for an infinity object in the shortest focal length condition (f=80.0) of the first embodiment.

FIGS. 3A-3E illustrate the various aberrations for an infinity object in the longest focal length condition (f=195.2) of the first embodiment.

FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate the various aberrations for a short distance object in the shortest focal length condition of the first embodiment.

FIGS. 5A-5E illustrate the various aberrations for a short distance object in the longest focal length condition of the first embodiment.

FIGS. 6A-6E illustrate the various aberrations for an infinity object in the shortest focal length condition of a second embodiment.

FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate the various aberrations for an infinity object in the lengest focal length condition of the second embodiment.

FIGS. 8A-8E illustrate the various aberrations for a short distance object in the shortest focal length condition of the second embodiment.

FIGS. 9A-9E illustrate the various aberrations for a short distance object in the longest focal length condition of the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows the lens construction of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 11A-11E illustrate the various aberrations for an infinity object in the shortest focal length condition (f=71.8) of the third embodiment.

FIGS. 12A-12E illustrate the various aberrations for an infinity object in the longest focal length condition (f=204.0) of the third embodiment.

FIGS. 13A-13E illustrate the various aberrations for a short distance object in the shortest focal length condition of the third embodiment.

FIGS. 14A-14E illustrate the various aberrations for a short distance object in the longest focal length condition of the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 shows the lens construction of a fourth embodiment.

FIGS. 16A-16E illustrate the various aberrations for an infinity object in the shortest focal length condition (f=200.0) of the fourth embodiment.

FIGS. 17A-17E illustrate the various aberrations for an infinity object in the longest focal length condition (f=400) of the fourth embodiment.

FIGS. 18A-18E illustrates the various aberrations for a short distance object in the shortest focal length condition of the fourth embodiment.

FIGS. 19A-19E illustrate the various aberrations for a short distance object in the longest focal length condition of the fourth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The zoom lens according to the present invention is a four-group zoom lens which includes, in succession from the object side, a first group G₁ having a positive refractive power and movable on the optical axis for focusing, a second group G₂ having a negative refractive power and movable on the optical axis to change the total focal length of the entire system, a third group G₃ having a positive refractive power and movable on the optical axis to keep the image plane at a predetermined position, and a fourth group G₄ as a relay lens system having a positive refractive power, the second group G₂ comprising, in succession from the object side, a cemented lens component L₂₁ consisting of three negative, positive and negative lenses L_(2a), L_(2b) and L_(2c) cemented together and having a composite negative refractive power, and a negative lens component L₂₂. This zoom lens satisfies the following conditions: ##STR1## where f₂₁ and f₂₂ represent the focal lengths of the cemented negative lens component L₂₁ and the negative lens component L₂₂ in the second group, f_(2a), f_(2b) and f_(2c) represent, in succession from the object side, the focal lengths of the negative, positive and negative lenses L_(2a), L_(2b) and L_(2c) forming the cemented negative lens component L₂₁, ν_(2a), ν_(2b) and ν_(2c) represent the Abbe numbers of these lenses, n₅ and n₆ represent the refractive indices of the positive lens L_(2b) and the rearward negative lens L_(2c) forming the cemented negative lens component L₂₁, and r₁₀ and r₁₁ represent the object side and image side surfaces, respectively, of the negative lens component L₂₂.

By so providing the negative lens component L₂₁ comprising three negative, positive and negative lenses cemented together in the second group G₂ as the magnification changing group, good correction of the various aberrations with respect to a standard wavelength as well as chromatic aberration, particularly astigmatism and coma in a short focal length condition in the vicinity of y-line (λ=435.8 nm) which provides a wide angle of view has become possible. In the conventional four-group telephoto zoom lens, the various aberrations for the standard wavelength could be corrected to some degree but any fluctuation of chromatic aberration by zooming could not completely be corrected, whereas the present invention has succeeded in well balancing the various aberrations for the standard wavelength and the fluctuation of chromatic aberration resulting from zooming by constituting the negative lens component in the second group, i.e., the negative lens component adjacent to the object side, by three lenses cemented together. That is, it is known to provide a cemented surface for the correction of chromatic aberration, but in the telephoto zoom lens of this type, it is most effective to make the second group into the cemented construction as described above in order to well balance and correct the fluctuation of the aberrations for the standard wavelength and the fluctuation of chromatic aberration resulting from zooming, and this is not mere addition of a cemented surface. The addition of this cemented surface r₇ has earned the degree of freedom of aberration correction in the second group and therefore, in the next cemented surface r₈, the load for the correction of chromatic aberration has been reduced and the degree of freedom for the correction of coma and astigmatism for the standard wavelength could be produced. As a result, a zoom lens which maintains a good optical performance in the entire magnification change area and moreover from infinity to a short distance could be realized.

In this manner, by the construction of the second group according to the present invention, the performance in infinity photography as well as the optical performance in short distance photography has been greatly improved with a result that photography at shorter distances has become possible. More specifically, in the second group, the difference in refractive index for the standard wavelength has not been made so great but the difference in dispersion has been made great on the opposite sides of the first cemented surface r₇ formed by the negative lens L_(2a) and the positive lens L_(2b) while, on the other hand, the difference in refractive index for the standard wavelength has been made positively great on the opposite sides of the second cemented surface r₈ formed by the positive lens L_(2b) and the negative lens L_(2c). In the first cemented surface r₇, chromatic aberration has been corrected without so much aggravating the aberration fluctuation for the standard wavelength and the chromatic aberration correction in the second cemented surface r₈ has been made up for and the coma and astigmatism particularly on the short focal length side of g-line produced there have been corrected. Also, in the second cemented surface r₈, the negative curvature of image field chiefly in the long focal length condition is corrected and coma is reduced.

The foregoing conditions (1)-(5) are satisfactory to minimize, in such construction of the second group, the fluctuations of the various aberrations and chromatic aberration for the standard wavelength resulting from zooming.

Formula (1) prescribes the ratio of the focal lengths of the cemented negative lens L₂₁ and negative lens component L₂₂ forming the second group, and determines an appropriate distribution of the refractive powers to be borne by the two negative lens components. If the upper limit of this condition is exceeded, spherical aberration will become excessively negative on the long focal length side and astigmatism will also become excessively negative on the short focal length side. If the lower limit of this condition is exceeded, reverse conditions will occur and in either case, it will become difficult to well correct spherical aberration and astigmatism over the entire magnification change range by zooming.

Formula (2) prescribes the shape of the rearward negative lens component L₂₂ in the second group. If the upper limit of this condition is exceeded, spherical aberration and astigmatism will become excessively positive on the long focal length side while spherical aberration will become excessively negative on the short focal length side and excessive outward coma will occur. If the lower limit of this condition is exceeded, the reverse tendency will become pronounced and it will become difficult to well maintain the aberration balance over the entire magnification change range.

Formulas (3) and (4) are for balancing the correction of chromatic aberration while well correcting the fluctuation of various aberrations, particularly coma for the standard wavelength resulting from zooming. Formula (3) is concerned with the first cemented surface r₇ convex toward the object side which is formed by the negative lens L_(2a) and the positive lens L_(2b), and formula (4) is concerned with the second cemented surface r₈ convex toward the image side which is formed by the positive lens L_(2b) and the negative lens L_(2c). The first cemented surface r₇ which is convex toward the object side is advantageous for the correction of chromatic aberration while it is not so effective for the correction of coma, and the second cemented surface r₈ which is convex toward the image side is liable to create chromatic aberration while it is effective for the correction of coma. If the upper limits of formulas (3) and (4) are exceeded, the on-axis chromatic aberration will become excessively positive particularly on the long focal length side and lateral chromatic aberration will become excessively negative on the short focal length side, and both will be under-corrected as the second group having a negative refractive power. If the lower limits of these conditions are exceeded, the on-axis chromatic aberration will become excessively negative on the long focal length side and lateral chromatic aberration will become excessively positive on the short focal length side, and achromatization as the second group will become excessive.

In the third and fourth groups following the second group, the on-axis chromatic aberration and lateral chromatic aberration can be corrected only in the same direction and therefore, it is necessary to maintain an appropriate balance between the on-axis chromatic aberration and lateral chromatic aberration in the second group by conditions (3) and (4). If a chromatization is effected only by the second cemented surface r₈, chromatic astigmatism and chromatic coma on the short focal length side will occur, while if achromatization is effected only by the first cemented surface r₇, chromatic aberration may be corrected to some degree but it will become difficult to correct coma and curvature of image field for the standard wavelength particularly in the intermediate focal length to the long focal length condition. Therefore, as indicated by conditions (3) and (4), two first and second cemented surfaces are necessary in the second group.

Formula (5) prescribes the difference in refractive index for the standard wavelength on the opposite sides of the second cemented surface r₈ in the second group under the above-described conditions. If the upper limit of this condition is exceeded, spherical aberration will become excessively negative on the long focal length side and astigmatism will become excessive on the short focal length side. If the lower limit of this condition is exceeded, the reverse tendency will become pronounced and it will become difficult to maintain an excellent imaging performance over the entire magnification change range.

According to the present invention, in the above-described construction of the second group, it is desirable that the first group G₁ comprise, in succession from the object side, a cemented positive lens component L₁₁ consisting of a negative lens L_(1a) and a positive lens L_(1b) cemented together, and a positive lens L₁₂. The cemented surface of the cemented positive lens component L₁₁ is convex toward the object side and therefore, high order spherical aberration is liable to occur and this is disadvantageous for providing a bright lens, but is effective for the correction of chromatic aberration, particularly chromatic coma and chromatic astigmatism in the long focal length condition, and an improved performance at infinity even for short distance objects is contrived and therefore, a stable optical performance is maintained although deterioration of the performance is much higher than in the conventional lens.

Thus, it is desirable that the first group further satisfy the following conditions: ##EQU1## where f₁₁ and f₁₂ represent the focal lengths of the cemented positive lens component L₁₁ and the positive lens component L₁₂, respectively, in the first group, r₁ and r₃ represent the radii of curvature of the object side and image side surfaces of the cemented positive lens component L₁₁, f_(1a) and f_(1b) represent the focal lengths of the negative lens L_(1a) and the positive lens L_(1b) forming the cemented surface, and ν_(1a) and ν_(1b) represent the Abbe numbers of these lenses.

These conditions (6)-(8) are appropriate for balancing the aberration fluctuation resulting from zooming, the correction of chromatic aberration on the long focal length side and further the variations in aberrations in infinity and shortest distance photography. If the upper limit of condition (6) is exceeded, spherical aberration for both infinity object and short distance object will become excessively positive on the long focal length side and astigmatism will become excessively negative, and this is undesirable. Particularly, the variation in spherical aberration on the long focal length side and astigmatism for infinity object will excessively move and it will become difficult to keep the balance outside these conditions. If the upper limit of condition (7) is exceeded, spherical aberration in both infinity and very short distance photography will become excessively negative on the long focal length side and astigmatism will become excessively positive on the short focal length side. The positions of the infinity and very short distance image planes will excessively fluctuate on the long focal length side and this is undesirable. If the upper limit of condition (8) is exceeded, the on-axis chromatic aberration will become excessively positive particularly on the long focal length side and the off-axis chromatic aberration will become excessively negative. If the upper limit of this condition is exceeded, excessive chromatic aberration will occur in a direction opposite to that when the lower limit is exceeded.

Some embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described by reference to the drawings. A first embodiment is a zoom lens for 35 mm still camera having a focal length of 80-195.2 mm and F-number of 4.0. As shown in the lens construction view of FIG. 1, the first group G₁ comprises, in succession from the object side, a positive lens component L₁₁ consisting of a negative meniscus lens L_(1a) having its convex surface facing the object side and a bioconvex lens L_(1b) having its convex surface of sharper curvature facing the object side, the lenses L_(1a) and L_(1b) being cemented together, and a positive meniscus lens component L₁₂ having its convex surface facing the object side. The second group G₂ comprises, in succession from the object side, a negative lens component L₂₁ consisting of a biconcave lens L_(2a), a biconvex lens L_(2b) and a biconcave lens L_(2c) cemented together, and a biconcave lens component L₂₂. The third group G₃ comprises a positive lens component L₃ comprising, in succession from the object side, a biconvex lens L_(3a) and a negative meniscus lens L_(3b) having its concave surface facing the object side, the lenses L_(3a) and L_(3b) being cemented together. The fourth group G₄ comprises, in succession from the object side, a positive lens component L₄₁ having its convex surface of sharper curvature facing the object side, a biconcave negative lens component L₄₂, a negative meniscus lens component L₄₃ having a great air space with respect to the lens component L₄₂ and having its convex surface facing the object side, and a biconvex positive lens component L₄₄.

The various aberrations for an infinity object in the shortest focal length condition (f=80.0) and the longest focal length condition (f=195.2) of the first embodiment are illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, and the various aberrations for a short distance object in the shortest and the longest focal length condition are illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

A second embodiment of the present invention is a zoom lens for 35 mm still camera having the same focal length and the same F-number as the first embodiment, and the lens construction thereof is substantially equal to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The various aberrations for an infinity object in the shortest and the longest focal length condition of the second embodiment are illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, and the various aberrations for a short distance object in the shortest and the longest focal length condition are illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.

A third embodiment of the present invention is a zoom lens for 35 mm still camera having a focal length of 71.8-204.0 mm and F-number of 4.0, and has the lens construction as shown in FIG. 10. The present embodiment is basically the same as the aforedescribed first and second embodiments, but by adding a biconvex positive lens component L₄₃ to the fourth group G₄, it makes the zoom ratio greater and yet maintains the aperture of the last lens small while effecting better correction of coma and curvature of image field. The full length of the lens is very short. The various aberrations for an infinity object in the shortest focal length condition (f=71.8) and the longest focal length condition (f=204.0) of the present embodiment are illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, and the various aberrations for a short distance object in the shortest and the longest focal length condition are illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14.

In the first to third embodiments, focusing is accomplished solely by movement of the first group, but during focusing, it is effective to move the second group as the magnification changing group with the first group. According to such focusing system, the photographing magnification for a short distance object can be made greater and the position in which the pincipal ray cuts the foremost lens surface can be made closer to the optical axis and thereby the lens aperture can be made smaller and further, deterioration of the aberrations at a short distance can be minimized.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention is a compact zoom lens of great aperture ratio and high performance having a focal length of 200-400 mm and F-number of 4.0. As shown in FIG. 15, the lens arrangement of the first group G₁ to the third group G₃ basically has a shape substantially similar to that of the first embodiment. This lens is small in zoom ratio but has a great aperture ratio. At the same time, a very short-shaped master lens is introduced into the fourth group G₄ and as a telephoto zoom lens, this lens is compact for its full length. The fourth group G₄ comprises, in succession from the object side, a biconvex positive lens component L₄₁, a negative meniscus lens component L₄₂ having its concave surface facing the object side, a positive meniscus lens component L₄₃ having its convex surface facing the object side, a negative meniscus lens component L₄₄ having its concave surface facing the object side, and a positive lens component L₄₅ consisting of a negative meniscus lens having its convex surface facing the object side and a biconvex positive lens, these two lenses being cemented together. FIG. 16 illustrates the various aberrations in the present embodiment when f=200 mm and in the infinity photography condition, and FIG. 17 illustrates the various aberrations when f=400 mm. FIG. 18 illustrates the aberrations when f=200 mm and d₀ =2492.954 mm and magnification β=-0.09, and FIG. 19 illustrates the various aberrations when f=400 mm and d₀ =2492.954 mm and β=0.18.

The numerical data of each embodiment will be shown below. In the tables below, r₁, r₂, r₃, . . . represent the radii of curvature of the successive lens surfaces from the object side, d₁, d₂, d₃, . . . represent the center thicknesses and air spaces of the respective lenses, n₁, n₂, n₃, . . . and ν₁, ν₂, ν₃, . . . represent the refractive indices and Abbe numbers, respectively, of the respective lenses. Also, d₀ represents the distance from the foremost lens surface to the object, B_(f) represents the back focal length, and f₁ and f₂ represent the focal lengths of the first group G₁ and the second group G₂, respectively.

    __________________________________________________________________________              First Embodiment                                                               Focal length f = 80 ˜ 195.2 F-number 4.0                        __________________________________________________________________________     r.sub.1 = 109.097                                                                      d.sub.1 = 1.7                                                                          n.sub.1 = 1.80518                                                                     ν.sub.1 = 25.4 L.sub.1a                                                              L.sub.11                                       r.sub.2 = 62.650                                                                       d.sub.2 = 8.1                                                                          n.sub.2 = 1.62041                                                                     ν.sub.2 = 60.3 L.sub.1b                              r.sub.3 = -716.000                                                                     d.sub.3 = 0.1                G.sub.1                                   r.sub.4 = 134.056                                                                      d.sub.4 = 4.0                                                                          n.sub.3 = 1.51680                                                                     ν.sub.5 = 64.1                                                                       L.sub.12                                       r.sub.5 = 603.844                                                                      d.sub.5 = variable                                                     r.sub.6 = -300.000                                                                     d.sub.6 = 1.0                                                                          n.sub.4 = 1.78797                                                                     ν.sub.4 = 47.5 L.sub.2a                              r.sub.7 = 55.000                                                                       d.sub.7 = 6.1                                                                          n.sub.5 =  1.75520                                                                    ν.sub.5 = 27.6 L.sub.2b                                                              L.sub.21                                       r.sub.8 = -40.000                                                                      d.sub.8 = 0.9                                                                          n.sub.6 = 1.58144                                                                     ν.sub.6 = 40.8 L.sub.2c                                                                   G.sub.2                                   r.sub.9 = 56.331                                                                       d.sub.9 = 4.1                                                          r.sub.10 = -44.350                                                                     d.sub.10 = 1.1                                                                         n.sub.7 = 1.58913                                                                     ν.sub.7 = 61.2                                                                       L.sub.22                                       r.sub.11 = 177.834                                                                     d.sub.11 = variable                                                    r.sub.12 = 155.00                                                                      d.sub.12 = 5.5                                                                         n.sub.8 = 1.62041                                                                     ν.sub.8 = 60.3 L.sub.3a                                                              L.sub.3                                                                             G.sub.3                                   r.sub.13 = -31.792                                                                     d.sub.13 = 0.9                                                                         n.sub.9 = 1.75520                                                                     ν.sub.9 = 27.6 L.sub.3b                              r.sub.14 = -68.917                                                                     d.sub.14 = variable                                                    r.sub.15 = 41.667                                                                      d.sub.15 = 5.3                                                                         n.sub.10 =  1.67025                                                                   ν.sub.10 = 57.6                                                                      L.sub.41                                       r.sub.16 = 217.900                                                                     d.sub.16 = 2.0                                                         r.sub.17 = -692.473                                                                    d.sub.17 = 2.0                                                                         n.sub.11 = 1.79504                                                                    ν.sub.11 = 28.6                                                                      L.sub.42                                       r.sub.18 = 299.735                                                                     d.sub.18 = 53.4              G.sub.4                                   r.sub.19 = -23.344                                                                     d.sub.19 = 2.4                                                                         n.sub.12 = 1.79668                                                                    ν.sub.12 = 45.5                                                                      L.sub.43                                       r.sub.20 = -36.254                                                                     d.sub.20 = 0.2                                                         r.sub.21 = 72.000                                                                      d.sub.21 = 5.3                                                                         n.sub.13 = 1.58267                                                                    ν.sub.13 = 46.5                                                                      L.sub.44                                       r.sub.22 = -334.140                                                                    B.sub.f = 41.366                                                       __________________________________________________________________________     d.sub.i                                                                              80            145.465                                                                             195.201                                               d.sub.5                                                                               3.034        33.625                                                                              43.150                                                d.sub.11                                                                             30.972        14.148                                                                              1.366                                                 d.sub.14                                                                              16.7208       2.948                                                                              6.198                                                 __________________________________________________________________________

Short distance photography Magnification β when d₀ =781.314 ##EQU2##

    __________________________________________________________________________              Second Embodiment                                                              Focal Length f = 80 ˜ 195.2 F-number 4.0                        __________________________________________________________________________     r.sub.1 = 107.500                                                                      d.sub.1 = 1.7                                                                          n.sub.1 = 1.80518                                                                     ν.sub.1 = 25.4 L.sub.1a                                                              L.sub.11                                       r.sub.2 = 59.000                                                                       d.sub.2 = 8.1                                                                          n.sub.2 = 1.63854                                                                     ν.sub.2 = 55.5 L.sub.1b                              r.sub.3 = -1028.518                                                                    d.sub.3 = 0.1216             G.sub.1                                   r.sub.4 = 145.000                                                                      d.sub.4 = 4.0                                                                          n.sub.3 = 1.51680                                                                     ν.sub.3 = 64.1                                                                       L.sub.12                                       r.sub.5 = 943.041                                                                      d.sub.5 = variable                                                     r.sub.6 = -300.000                                                                     d.sub.6 = 1.0                                                                          n.sub.4 = 1.80218                                                                     ν.sub.4 = 44.7 L.sub.2a                              r.sub.7 = 59.000                                                                       d.sub.7 = 6.1                                                                          n.sub.5 =  1.75692                                                                    ν.sub.5 = 31.7 L.sub.2b                                                              L.sub.21                                       r.sub.8 = -40.000                                                                      d.sub.8 = 0.9                                                                          n.sub.6 = 1.58913                                                                     ν.sub.6 = 61.2 L.sub.2c                                                                   G.sub.2                                   r.sub.9 = 55.214                                                                       d.sub.9 = 4.1                                                          r.sub.10 = -43.300                                                                     d.sub.10 = 1.1                                                                         n.sub.7 = 1.58913                                                                     ν.sub.7 = 61.2                                                                       L.sub.22                                       r.sub.11 = 261.765                                                                     d.sub.11 = variable                                                    r.sub.12 = 169.000                                                                     d.sub.12 = 5.5                                                                         n.sub.8 = 1.60311                                                                     ν.sub.8 = 60.7 L.sub.3a                                                              L.sub.3                                                                             G.sub.3                                   r.sub.13 = -31.400                                                                     d.sub.13 = 0.9                                                                         n.sub.9 = 1.75520                                                                     ν.sub.9 = 27.6 L.sub.3b                              r.sub.14 = -63.009                                                                     d.sub.14 = variable                                                    r.sub.15 = 33.300                                                                      d.sub.15 = 5.3                                                                         n.sub.10 =  1.51009                                                                   ν.sub.10 = 63.4                                                                      L.sub.41                                       r.sub.16 = 439.080                                                                     d.sub.16 = 3.0                                                         r.sub.17 = -142.500                                                                    d.sub.17 = 2.0                                                                         n.sub.11 = 1.79504                                                                    ν.sub.11 = 28.6                                                                      L.sub.42                                       r.sub.18 = -564.561                                                                    d.sub.18 = 46.5              G.sub.4                                   r.sub.19 = -20.300                                                                     d.sub.19 = 2.4                                                                         n.sub.12 = 1.71300                                                                    ν.sub.12 = 54.0                                                                      L.sub.43                                       r.sub.20 = -31.167                                                                     d.sub.20 = 0.2                                                         r.sub.21 = 57.000                                                                      d.sub.21 = 5.3                                                                         n.sub.13 = 1.54072                                                                    ν.sub.13 = 47.2                                                                      L.sub.44                                       r.sub.22 = 349.164                                                                     B.sub.f = 42.743                                                       __________________________________________________________________________            f                                                                       d.sub.i                                                                               80.000        145.465                                                                            195.201                                               d.sub.5                                                                               3.183         33.774                                                                             43.299                                                d.sub.11                                                                              30.583        13.759                                                                             0.977                                                 d.sub.14                                                                              16.385        2.617                                                                              5.874                                                 __________________________________________________________________________

Short distance photography Magnification β when d₀ =781.386 ##EQU3##

    __________________________________________________________________________              Third Embodiment                                                               Focal length f = 71.8 ˜ 204.0 F-number 4.0                      __________________________________________________________________________     r.sub.1 = 93.500                                                                        d.sub.1 = 1.6                                                                          n.sub.1 = 1.80518                                                                     ν.sub.1 = 25.4 L.sub.1a                                                              L.sub.11                                      r.sub.2 = 65.000                                                                        d.sub.2 = 9.5                                                                          n.sub.2 = 1.44679                                                                     ν.sub.2 = 90.8 L.sub.1b                             r.sub.3 = -239.120                                                                      d.sub.3 = 0.1                G.sub.1                                  r.sub.4 = 86.988                                                                        d.sub.4 = 4.5                                                                          n.sub.3 = 1.46450                                                                     ν.sub.3 = 65.8                                                                       L.sub.12                                      r.sub.5 = 287.046                                                                       d.sub.5 = variable                                                    r.sub.6 = -264.850                                                                      d.sub.6 = 0.9                                                                          n.sub.4 = 1.78797                                                                     ν.sub.4 = 47.5 L.sub.2a                             r.sub.7 = 46.800                                                                        d.sub.7 = 6.5                                                                          n.sub.5  = 1.75692                                                                    ν.sub.5 = 31.7 L.sub.2b                                                              L.sub.21                                      r.sub.8 = -40.029                                                                       d.sub.8 = 0.9                                                                          n.sub.6 = 1.58913                                                                     ν.sub.6 = 61.2 L.sub.2c                                                                   G.sub.2                                  r.sub.9 = 43.150                                                                        d.sub.9 = 4.8                                                         r.sub.10 = -40.000                                                                      d.sub.10 = 1.0                                                                         n.sub.7 = 1.65160                                                                     ν.sub.7 = 58.5                                                                       L.sub.22                                      r.sub.11 = -1435.334                                                                    d.sub.11 = variable                                                   r.sub.12 = 130.000                                                                      d.sub.12 = 5.5                                                                         n.sub.8 = 1.56384                                                                     ν.sub.8 = 60.8 L.sub.3a                                                              L.sub.3                                                                             G.sub.3                                  r.sub.13 = -28.800                                                                      d.sub.13 = 0.9                                                                         n.sub.9 = 1.80518                                                                     ν.sub.9 = 25.4 L.sub.3b                             r.sub.14 = -51.115                                                                      d.sub.14 = variable                                                   r.sub.15 = 33.600                                                                       d.sub.15 = 5.1                                                                         n.sub.10 = 1.62041                                                                    ν.sub.10 = 60.4                                                                      L.sub.41                                      r.sub.16 = 120.000                                                                      d.sub.16 = 4.0                                                        r.sub.17 = -249.756                                                                     d.sub.17 = 2.0                                                                         n.sub.11 = 1.79504                                                                    ν.sub.11 = 28.6                                                                      L.sub.42                                      r.sub.18 = -6606.577                                                                    d.sub.18 = 36.5                                                       r.sub.19 = 118.300                                                                      d.sub.19 = 3.0                                                                         n.sub.12 = 1.51454                                                                    ν.sub.12 = 54.6                                                                      L.sub.43                                                                            G.sub.4                                  r.sub.20 = -189.871                                                                     d.sub.20 = 4.0                                                        r.sub.21 = -23.200                                                                      d.sub.21 = 2.3                                                                         n.sub.13 = 1.80411                                                                    ν.sub.13 = 46.4                                                                      L.sub.44                                      r.sub.22 = -61.320                                                                      d.sub.22 = 0.1                                                        r.sub.23 = 58.000                                                                       d.sub.23 = 4.0                                                                         n.sub.14 = 1.60342                                                                    ν.sub.14 = 38.1                                                                      L.sub.45                                      r.sub.24 = 455.664                                                                      B.sub.f = 40.035                                                      __________________________________________________________________________            f                                                                       d.sub.i                                                                               71.800        145.000                                                                            204.000                                               d.sub.5                                                                               2.418         36.218                                                                             45.806                                                d.sub.11                                                                              30.615        14.033                                                                             0.668                                                 d.sub.14                                                                              20.115        2.897                                                                              6.674                                                 __________________________________________________________________________

Short distance photography Magnification β when d₀ =1002.049 ##EQU4##

    __________________________________________________________________________              Fourth Embodiment                                                              Focal length f = 200 ˜ 400 F-number 4.0                         __________________________________________________________________________     r.sub.1 = 239.867                                                                       d.sub.1 = 3.3                                                                          n.sub.1 = 1.75692                                                                     ν.sub.1 = 31.7 L.sub.1a                                                               L.sub.11                                     r.sub.2 = 140.839                                                                       d.sub.2 = 14.0                                                                         n.sub.2 = 1.49782                                                                     ν.sub.2 = 82.3 L.sub.1b                             r.sub.3 = -430.000                                                                      d.sub.3 = 0.2                 G.sub.1                                 r.sub.4 = 155.000                                                                       d.sub.4 = 7.0                                                                          n.sub.3 = 1.49782                                                                     ν.sub.3 = 82.3                                                                        L.sub.12                                     r.sub.5 = 240.871                                                                       d.sub.5 = Variable                                                    r.sub.6 = -366.200                                                                      d.sub.6 = 2.5                                                                          n.sub.4 = 1.78797                                                                     ν.sub.4 = 47.5 L.sub.2a                             r.sub.7 = 143.200                                                                       d.sub.7 = 8.0                                                                          n.sub.5  = 1.75520                                                                    ν.sub.5 = 27.6 L.sub.2b                                                               L.sub.21                                     r.sub.8 = -110.916                                                                      d.sub.8 = 2.2                                                                          n.sub.6 = 1.51680                                                                     ν.sub.6 = 64.1 L.sub.2c                                                                    G.sub.2                                 r.sub.9 = 100.127                                                                       d.sub.9 = 7.5                                                         r.sub.10 = -117.970                                                                     d.sub.10 = 2.5                                                                         n.sub.7 = 1.80218                                                                     ν.sub.7 = 44.7                                                                        L.sub.22                                     r.sub.11 = -5626.023                                                                    d.sub.11 = Variable                                                   r.sub.12 = 184.117                                                                      d.sub.12 = 10.0                                                                        n.sub.8 = 1.49782                                                                     ν.sub.8 = 82.3 L.sub.3a                                                               L.sub.3                                                                             G.sub.3                                 r.sub.13 = -68.320                                                                      d.sub.13 = 1.9                                                                         n.sub.9 = 1.75692                                                                     ν.sub.9 = 31.7 L.sub.3b                             r.sub.14 = -123.60                                                                      d.sub.14 = Variable                                                   r.sub.15 = 70.180                                                                       d.sub.15 = 11.0                                                                        n.sub.10 = 1.49782                                                                    ν.sub.10 = 82.3                                                                       L.sub.41                                     r.sub.16 = -130.821                                                                     d.sub.16 = 10.0                                                       r.sub.17 = -96.159                                                                      d.sub.17 = 3.0                                                                         n.sub.11 = 1.78797                                                                    ν.sub.11 = 47.5                                                                       L.sub.42                                     r.sub.18 = -900.350                                                                     d.sub.18 = 0.6                                                        r.sub.19 = 37.000                                                                       d.sub.19 = 6.5                                                                         n.sub.12 = 1.51680                                                                    ν.sub.12 = 64.1                                                                       L.sub.43                                                                            G.sub.4                                 r.sub.20 = 41.623                                                                       d.sub.20 = 66.0                                                       r.sub.21 = -26.710                                                                      d.sub.21 = 2.5                                                                         n.sub.13 = 1.77279                                                                    ν.sub.13 = 49.4                                                                       L.sub.44                                     r.sub.22 = -81.538                                                                      d.sub.22 = 0.1                                                        r.sub.23 = 168.000                                                                      d.sub.23 = 2.0                                                                         n.sub.14 = 1.73350                                                                    ν.sub.14 = 51.1 L.sub.4a                                                              L.sub.45                                     r.sub.24 d.sub.24 = 6.5                                                                         n.sub.15 = 1.58144                                                                    ν.sub.15 = 40.8 L.sub.4b                            r.sub.25 = -55.442                                                                      B.sub.f = 69.8277                                                     __________________________________________________________________________            f                                                                       d.sub.i                                                                               200            300 400                                                  d.sub.5                                                                               50.635         91.056                                                                             111.267                                              d.sub.11                                                                              56.297         29.726                                                                             3.155                                                d.sub.14                                                                              15.464         1.614                                                                              7.975                                                __________________________________________________________________________

Short distance photography d₀ =2492.954 ##EQU5##

As seen from the aberration graphs, in any of these embodiments, an excellent imaging performance is maintained even by the magnification change by zooming and a sufficient imaging performance is had even for objects at considerably short distances. Accordingly, it is apparent that the construction of the zoom lens according to the present invention is very effective for an infinity object as well as a short distance object. 

I claim:
 1. A four-group zoom lens including, in succession from the object side, a first group (G₁) having a positive refractive power and movable on the optical axis for focusing, a second group (G₂) having a negative refractive power and movable on the optical axis to vary the total focal length of the entire system, a third group (G₃) having a positive refractive power and movable on the optical axis to keep the image plane at a predetermined position, and a fourth group (G₄) as a relay lens system having a positive refractive power, said second group (G₂) having a cemented lens component (L₂₁) comprising three negative, positive and negative lenses (L_(2a), L_(2b), L_(2c)) cemented together and having a composite negative refractive power, and a negative lens component (L₂₂), and in which said zoom lens satisfies the following conditions: ##STR2## where f₂₁ and f₂₂ are the focal lengths of the cemented negative lens component (L₂₁) and negative lens component (L₂₂) in said second group, f_(2a), f_(2b) and f_(2c) are the focal lengths of the negative, positive and negative lenses (L_(2a), L_(2b), L_(2c)) forming said cemented negative lens component (L₂₁), ν_(2a), ν_(2b) and ν_(2c) are the Abbe numbers of these lenses, n₅ and n₆ are the refractive indices of the positive lens (L_(2b)) and rearward negative lens (L_(2c)) forming said cemented negative lens component (L₂₁), and r₁₀ and r₁₁ represent the object side and image side surfaces of said negative lens component (L₂₂).
 2. A four-group zoom lens according to claim 1, wherein said first group (G₁) has, in succession from the object side, a positive lens component (L₁₁) comprising a negative lens (L_(1a)) and a positive lens (L_(1b)) cemented together, and a positive lens component (L₁₂).
 3. A four-group zoom lens according to claim 2, which satisfies the following conditions: ##EQU6## where f₁₁ and f₁₂ are the focal lengths of the cemented positive lens component (L₁₁) and positive lens component (L₁₂) in said first group r₁ and r₃ are the radii of curvature of the object side and image side surfaces of said cemented positive lens component (L₁₁), f_(1a) and f_(1b) are the focal lengths of the negative lens (L_(1a)) and positive lens (L_(1b)) forming the cemented surface, and ν_(1a) and ν_(1b) are the Abbe numbers of said lenses (L_(1a), L_(1b)).
 4. A four-group zoom lens according to claim 3, wherein said fourth group (G₄) includes, in succession from the object side, a positive lens component having its surface of sharper curvature facing the object side, a negative lens component, a negative meniscus lens component having its concave surface facing the object side, and a positive lens component.
 5. A four-group zoom lens according to claim 4, wherein numerical data are as follows:

    __________________________________________________________________________              Focal length f = 80 ˜ 195.2 F-number 4.0                        __________________________________________________________________________     r.sub.1 = 109.097                                                                      d.sub.1 = 1.7                                                                          n.sub.1 = 1.80518                                                                     ν.sub.1 = 25.4 L.sub.1a                                                              L.sub.11                                       r.sub.2 = 62.650                                                                       d.sub.2 = 8.1                                                                          n.sub.2 = 1.62041                                                                     ν.sub.2 = 60.3 L.sub.1b                              r.sub.3 = -716.000                                                                     d.sub.3 = 0.1                G.sub.1                                   r.sub.4 = 134.056                                                                      d.sub.4 = 4.0                                                                          n.sub.3 = 1.51680                                                                     ν.sub.5 = 64.1                                                                       L.sub.12                                       r.sub.5 = 603.844                                                                      d.sub.5 = variable                                                     r.sub.6 = -300.000                                                                     d.sub.6 = 1.0                                                                          n.sub.4 = 1.78797                                                                     ν.sub.4 = 47.5 L.sub.2a                              r.sub.7 = 55.000                                                                       d.sub.7 = 6.1                                                                          n.sub.5 = 1.75520                                                                     ν.sub.5 = 27.6 L.sub.2b                                                              L.sub.21                                       r.sub.8 = -40.000                                                                      d.sub.8 = 0.9                                                                          n.sub.6 = 1.58144                                                                     ν.sub.6 = 40.8 L.sub.2c                                                                   G.sub.2                                   r.sub.9 = 56.331                                                                       d.sub.9 = 4.1                                                          r.sub.10 = -44.350                                                                     d.sub.10 = 1.1                                                                         n.sub.7 = 1.58913                                                                     ν.sub.7 = 61.2                                                                       L.sub.22                                       r.sub.11 = 177.834                                                                     d.sub.11 = variable                                                    r.sub.12 = 155.00                                                                      d.sub.12 = 5.5                                                                         n.sub.8 = 1.62041                                                                     ν.sub.8 = 60.3 L.sub.3a                                                              L.sub.3                                                                             G.sub.3                                   r.sub.13 = -31.792                                                                     d.sub.13 = 0.9                                                                         n.sub.9 = 1.75520                                                                     ν.sub.9 = 27.6 L.sub.3b                              r.sub.14 = -68.917                                                                     d.sub.14 = variable                                                    r.sub.15 = 41.667                                                                      d.sub.15 = 5.3                                                                         n.sub.10 = 1.67025                                                                    ν.sub.10 = 57.6                                                                      L.sub.41                                       r.sub.16 = 217.900                                                                     d.sub.16 = 2.0                                                         r.sub.17 = -692.473                                                                    d.sub.17 = 2.0                                                                         n.sub.11 = 1.79504                                                                    ν.sub.11 = 28.6                                                                      L.sub.42                                       r.sub.18 = 299.735                                                                     d.sub.18 = 53.4              G.sub.4                                   r.sub.19 = -23.344                                                                     d.sub.19 = 2.4                                                                         n.sub.12 = 1.79668                                                                    ν.sub.12 = 45.5                                                                      L.sub.43                                       r.sub.20 = -36.254                                                                     d.sub.20 = 0.2                                                         r.sub.21 = 72.000                                                                      d.sub.21 = 5.3                                                                         n.sub.13 = 1.58267                                                                    ν.sub.13 = 46.5                                                                      L.sub.44                                       r.sub.22 = -334.140                                                                    B.sub.f = 41.366                                                       __________________________________________________________________________     d.sub.i                                                                              80            145.465                                                                             195.201                                               d.sub.5                                                                               3.034        33.625                                                                              43.150                                                d.sub.11                                                                             30.972        14.148                                                                              1.366                                                 d.sub.14                                                                              16.7208       2.948                                                                              6.198                                                 __________________________________________________________________________

Short distance photography Magnification β when d₀ =781.314 ##EQU7## where r₁, r₂, r₃ . . . represent the radii of curvature of the successive lens surfaces from the object side, d₁, d₂, d₃, . . . represent the center thicknesses and air spaces of the respective lenses, n₁, n₂, n₃, . . . and ν₁, ν₂, ν₃ represent the refractive indices and Abbe numbers, respectively, of the respective lenses, d₀ represents the distance from the foremost lens surface to the object, B_(f) represents the back focal length, and f₁ and f₂ represent the focal lengths of the first group (G₁) and the second group (G₂), respectively.
 6. A four-grup zoom lens according to claim 4, wherein numerical data are as follows:

    __________________________________________________________________________              Focal Length f = 80 ˜ 195.2 F-number 4.0                        __________________________________________________________________________     r.sub.1 = 107.500                                                                      d.sub.1 = 1.7                                                                          n.sub.1 = 1.80518                                                                     ν.sub.1 = 25.4 L.sub.1a                                                              L.sub.11                                       r.sub.2 = 59.000                                                                       d.sub.2 = 8.1                                                                          n.sub.2 = 1.63854                                                                     ν.sub.2 = 55.5 L.sub.1b                              r.sub.3 = -1028.518                                                                    d.sub.3 = 0.1216             G.sub.1                                   r.sub.4 = 145.000                                                                      d.sub.4 = 4.0                                                                          n.sub.3 = 1.51680                                                                     ν.sub.3 = 64.1                                                                       L.sub.12                                       r.sub.5 = 943.041                                                                      d.sub.5 = variable                                                     r.sub.6 = -300.000                                                                     d.sub.6 = 1.0                                                                          n.sub.4 = 1.80218                                                                     ν.sub.4 = 44.7 L.sub.2a                              r.sub.7 = 59.000                                                                       d.sub.7 = 6.1                                                                          n.sub.5 =  1.75692                                                                    ν.sub.5 = 31.7 L.sub.2b                                                              L.sub.21                                       r.sub.8 = -40.000                                                                      d.sub.8 = 0.9                                                                          n.sub.6 = 1.58913                                                                     ν.sub.6 = 61.2 L.sub.2c                                                                   G.sub.2                                   r.sub.9 = 55.214                                                                       d.sub.9 = 4.1                                                          r.sub.10 = -43.300                                                                     d.sub.10 = 1.1                                                                         n.sub.7 = 1.58913                                                                     ν.sub.7 = 61.2                                                                       L.sub.22                                       r.sub.11 = 261.765                                                                     d.sub.11 = variable                                                    r.sub.12 = 169.000                                                                     d.sub.12 = 5.5                                                                         n.sub.8 = 1.60311                                                                     ν.sub.8 = 60.7 L.sub.3a                                                              L.sub.3                                                                             G.sub.3                                   r.sub.13 = -31.400                                                                     d.sub.13 = 0.9                                                                         n.sub.9 = 1.75520                                                                     ν.sub.9 = 27.6 L.sub.3b                              r.sub.14 = -63.009                                                                     d.sub.14 = variable                                                    r.sub.15 = 33.300                                                                      d.sub.15 = 5.3                                                                         n.sub.10 =  1.51009                                                                   ν.sub.10 = 63.4                                                                      L.sub.41                                       r.sub.16 = 439.080                                                                     d.sub.16 = 3.0                                                         r.sub.17 = -142.500                                                                    d.sub.17 = 2.0                                                                         n.sub.11 = 1.79504                                                                    ν.sub.11 = 28.6                                                                      L.sub.42                                       r.sub.18 = -564.561                                                                    d.sub.18 = 46.5              G.sub.4                                   r.sub.19 = -20.300                                                                     d.sub.19 = 2.4                                                                         n.sub.12 = 1.71300                                                                    ν.sub.12 = 54.0                                                                      L.sub.43                                       r.sub.20 = -31.167                                                                     d.sub.20 = 0.2                                                         r.sub.21 = 57.000                                                                      d.sub.21 = 5.3                                                                         n.sub.13 = 1.54072                                                                    ν.sub.13 = 47.2                                                                      L.sub.44                                       r.sub.22 = 349.164                                                                     B.sub.f = 42.743                                                       __________________________________________________________________________            f                                                                       d.sub.i                                                                               80.000        145.465                                                                            195.201                                               d.sub.5                                                                               3.183         33.774                                                                             43.299                                                d.sub.11                                                                              30.583        13.759                                                                             0.977                                                 d.sub.14                                                                              16.385        2.617                                                                              5.874                                                 __________________________________________________________________________

Short distance photography Magnification β when d₀ =781.386 ##EQU8## where r₁, r₂, r₃, . . . represent the radii of curvature of the successive lens surfaces from the object side, d₁, d₂, d₃, . . . represent the center thicknesses and air spaces of the respective lenses, n₁, n₂, n₃, . . . and ν₁, ν₂, ν₃, . . . represent the refractive indices and Abbe numbers, respectively, of the respective lenses, d₀ represents the distance from the foremost lens surface to the object, B_(f) represents the back focal length, and f₁ and f₂ represent the focal lengths of the first group (G₁) and the second group (G₂), respectively.
 7. A four-group zoom lens according to claim 3, wherein said fourth grup (G₄) includes, in succession from the object side, a positive lens component having its surface of sharper curvature facing the object side, a negative lens component, a biconvex positive lens component, a negative meniscus lens component having its concave surface facing the object side, and a positive lens component.
 8. A four-group zoom lens according to claim 7, wherein numerical data are as follows:

    __________________________________________________________________________              Focal length f = 71.8 ˜ 204.0 F-number 4.0                      __________________________________________________________________________     r.sub.1 = 93.500                                                                        d.sub.1 = 1.6                                                                          n.sub.1 = 1.80518                                                                     ν.sub.1 = 25.4 L.sub.1a                                                              L.sub.11                                      r.sub.2 = 65.000                                                                        d.sub.2 = 9.5                                                                          n.sub.2 = 1.44679                                                                     ν.sub.2 = 90.8 L.sub.1b                             r.sub.3 = -239.120                                                                      d.sub.3 = 0.1                G.sub.1                                  r.sub.4 = 86.988                                                                        d.sub.4 = 4.5                                                                          n.sub.3 = 1.46450                                                                     ν.sub.3 = 65.8                                                                       L.sub.12                                      r.sub.5 = 287.046                                                                       d.sub.5 = variable                                                    r.sub.6 = -264.850                                                                      d.sub.6 = 0.9                                                                          n.sub.4 = 1.78797                                                                     ν.sub.4 = 47.5 L.sub.2a                             r.sub.7 = 46.800                                                                        d.sub.7 = 6.5                                                                          n.sub.5 =  1.75692                                                                    ν.sub.5 = 31.7 L.sub.2b                                                              L.sub.21                                      r.sub.8 = -40.029                                                                       d.sub.8 = 0.9                                                                          n.sub.6 = 1.58913                                                                     ν.sub.6 = 61.2 L.sub.2c                                                                   G.sub.2                                  r.sub.9 = 43.150                                                                        d.sub.9 = 4.8                                                         r.sub.10 = -40.000                                                                      d.sub.10 = 1.0                                                                         n.sub.7 = 1.65160                                                                     ν.sub.7 = 58.5                                                                       L.sub.22                                      r.sub.11 = -1435.334                                                                    d.sub.11 = variable                                                   r.sub.12 = 130.000                                                                      d.sub.12 = 5.5                                                                         n.sub.8 = 1.56384                                                                     ν.sub.8 = 60.8 L.sub.3a                                                              L.sub.3                                                                             G.sub.3                                  r.sub.13 = -28.800                                                                      d.sub.13 = 0.9                                                                         n.sub.9 = 1.80518                                                                     ν.sub.9 = 25.4 L.sub.3b                             r.sub.14 = -51.115                                                                      d.sub.14 = variable                                                   r.sub.15 = 33.600                                                                       d.sub.15 = 5.1                                                                         n.sub.10  = 1.62041                                                                   ν.sub.10 = 60.4                                                                      L.sub.41                                      r.sub.16 = 120.000                                                                      d.sub.16 = 4.0                                                        r.sub.17 = -249.756                                                                     d.sub.17 = 2.0                                                                         n.sub.11 = 1.79504                                                                    ν.sub.11 = 28.6                                                                      L.sub.42                                      r.sub.18 = -6606.577                                                                    d.sub.18 = 36.5                                                       r.sub.19 = 118.300                                                                      d.sub.19 = 3.0                                                                         n.sub.12 = 1.51454                                                                    ν.sub.12 = 54.6                                                                      L.sub.43                                                                            G.sub.4                                  r.sub.20 = -189.871                                                                     d.sub.20 = 4.0                                                        r.sub.21 = -23.200                                                                      d.sub.21 = 2.3                                                                         n.sub.13 = 1.80411                                                                    ν.sub.13 = 46.4                                                                      L.sub.44                                      r.sub.22 = -61.320                                                                      d.sub.22 = 0.1                                                        r.sub.23 = 58.000                                                                       d.sub.23 = 4.0                                                                         n.sub.14 = 1.60342                                                                    ν.sub.14 = 38.1                                                                      L.sub.45                                      r.sub.24 = 455.664                                                                      B.sub.f = 40.035                                                      __________________________________________________________________________            f                                                                        d.sub.i                                                                              71.800        145.000                                                                            204.000                                               d.sub.5                                                                               2.418         36.218                                                                             45.806                                                d.sub.11                                                                              30.615        14.033                                                                             0.668                                                 d.sub.14                                                                              20.115        2.897                                                                              6.674                                                 __________________________________________________________________________

Short distance photography Magnification β when d₀ =1002.049 ##EQU9## where r₁, r₂, r₃, . . . represent the radii of curvature of the successive lens surfaces from the object side, d₁, d₂, d₃, . . . represent the center thicknesses and air spaces of the respective lenses, n₁, n₂, n₃, . . . and ν₁, ν₂, ν₃, . . . represent the refractive indices and Abbe numbers, respectively, of the respective lenses, d₀ represents the distance from the foremost lens surface to the object, B_(f) represents the back focal length, and f₁ and f₂ represent the focal lengths of the first group (G₁) and the second group (G₂), respectively.
 9. A four-group zoom lens according to claim 3, wherein said fourth group (G₄) includes, in succession from the object side, a positive lens component having its convex surface of sharper curvature facing the object side, a negative lens component, a positive meniscus lens component having its convex surface facing the object side, a negative meniscus lens component having its concave surface facing the object side, and a biconvex positive lens compoent.
 10. A four-group zoom lens according to claim 9, wherein numerical data are as follows:

    __________________________________________________________________________              Focal length f = 200 ˜ 400 F-number 4.0                         __________________________________________________________________________     r.sub.1 = 239.867                                                                       d.sub.1 = 3.3                                                                          n.sub.1 = 1.75692                                                                     ν.sub.1 = 31.7 L.sub.1a                                                               L.sub.11                                     r.sub.2 = 140.839                                                                       d.sub.2 = 14.0                                                                         n.sub.2 = 1.49782                                                                     ν.sub.2 = 82.3 L.sub.1b                             r.sub.3 = -430.000                                                                      d.sub.3 = 0.2                 G.sub.1                                 r.sub.4 = 155.000                                                                       d.sub.4 = 7.0                                                                          n.sub.3 = 1.49782                                                                     ν.sub.3 = 82.3                                                                        L.sub.12                                     r.sub.5 = 240.871                                                                       d.sub.5 = Variable                                                    r.sub.6 = -366.200                                                                      d.sub.6 = 2.5                                                                          n.sub.4 = 1.78797                                                                     ν.sub.4 = 47.5 L.sub.2a                             r.sub.7 = 143.200                                                                       d.sub.7 = 8.0                                                                          n.sub.5 =  1.75520                                                                    ν.sub.5 = 27.6 L.sub.2b                                                               L.sub.21                                     r.sub.8 = -110.916                                                                      d.sub.8 = 2.2                                                                          n.sub.6 = 1.51680                                                                     ν.sub.6 = 64.1 L.sub.2c                                                                    G.sub.2                                 r.sub.9 = 100.127                                                                       d.sub.9 = 7.5                                                         r.sub.10 = -117.970                                                                     d.sub.10 = 2.5                                                                         n.sub.7 = 1.80218                                                                     ν.sub.7 = 44.7                                                                        L.sub.22                                     r.sub.11 = -5626.023                                                                    d.sub.11 = Variable                                                   r.sub.12 = 184.117                                                                      d.sub.12 = 10.0                                                                        n.sub.8 = 1.49782                                                                     ν.sub.8 = 82.3 L.sub.3a                                                               L.sub.3                                                                             G.sub.3                                 r.sub.13 = -68.320                                                                      d.sub.13 = 1.9                                                                         n.sub.9 = 1.75692                                                                     ν.sub.9 = 31.7 L.sub.3b                             r.sub.14 = -123.60                                                                      d.sub.14 = Variable                                                   r.sub.15 = 70.180                                                                       d.sub.15 = 11.0                                                                        n.sub.10 =  1.49782                                                                   ν.sub.10 = 82.3                                                                       L.sub.41                                     r.sub.16 = -130.821                                                                     d.sub.16 = 10.0                                                       r.sub.17 = -96.159                                                                      d.sub.17 = 3.0                                                                         n.sub.11 = 1.78797                                                                    ν.sub.11 = 47.5                                                                       L.sub.42                                     r.sub.18 = -900.350                                                                     d.sub.18 = 0.6                                                        r.sub.19 = 37.000                                                                       d.sub.19 = 6.5                                                                         n.sub.12 = 1.51680                                                                    ν.sub.12 = 64.1                                                                       L.sub.43                                                                            G.sub.4                                 r.sub.20 = 41.623                                                                       d.sub.20 = 66.0                                                       r.sub.21 = -26.710                                                                      d.sub.21 = 2.5                                                                         n.sub.13 = 1.77279                                                                    ν.sub.13 = 49.4                                                                       L.sub.44                                     r.sub.22 = -81.538                                                                      d.sub.22 = 0.1                                                        r.sub.23 = 168.000                                                                      d.sub.23 = 2.0                                                                         n.sub.14 = 1.73350                                                                    ν.sub.14 = 51.1 L.sub.4a                                                              L.sub.45                                     r.sub.24 =  72.000                                                                      d.sub.24 = 6.5                                                                         n.sub.15 = 1.58144                                                                    ν.sub.15 = 40.8 L.sub.4b                            r.sub.25 = -55.442                                                                      B.sub.f = 69.8277                                                     __________________________________________________________________________            f                                                                       d.sub.i                                                                               200            300 400                                                  d.sub.5                                                                               50.635         91.056                                                                             111.267                                              d.sub.11                                                                              56.297         29.726                                                                             3.155                                                d.sub.14                                                                              15.464         1.614                                                                              7.975                                                __________________________________________________________________________

Short distance photography d₀ =2492.954 ##EQU10## where r₁, r₂, r₃, . . . represent the radii of curvature of the successive lens surfaces from the object side, d₁, d₂, d₃, . . . represent the center thicknesses and air spaces of the respective lenses, n₁, n₂, n₃, . . . and ν₁, ν₂, ν₃, . . . represent the refractive indices and Abbe numbers, respectively, of the respective lenses, d₀ represents the distance from the foremost lens surface to the object, B_(f) represents the back focal length, and f₁ and f₂ represent the focal lengths of the first group (G₁) and the second group (G₂), respectively. 